Galen Rowell Photographer

Rowell’s Life Galen Rowell was born August 23 1940 Died August 11 2002 Introduced to wildlife at a very young age. Started climbing mountains at the age of ten, and found his love for nature. Rowell lived in Berkeley California, attending Berkeley High, and staying to study at The University of California. In 1972 Rowell sold his small automotive business to pursue photography. Specialized in mountain light photography, and often appeared in National Geographic. Rowell was inspired by the nature and natural life around him. Won the Ansel Adams award for conservation photography in 1984 Traveled around the world to find the perfect photos. Information found at www.mountainlight.com > rowellgalen.

Moonset at Sunrise Wheeler Crest 1972 This photo caught my due to the light hitting the mountains just as the moon is lowering into the peak. The lighting is natural, coming from the rising sun, and the glow of the moon. The main subject of the photo is the moon, as it follows the rule of thirds, and is something that draws your attention due to the difference from the rest of the photo. The contrast between the dark sky and bright ground really makes the photo appealing to look at. The picture seems to be representing balance, as it was taken while the moon and sun were in the process of trading roles, and sharing the sky for a brief moment. Moonset at Sunrise Wheeler Crest 1972

Wild Iris at Dawn (Place not specified) 2001 The lighting is taken naturally from the distance. In this photo, the main subject appears to be the mountains in the back, due to drawing attention by being the brightest. The pale, soft colors make the photo easier to look at with the way it’s positioned. Rowell may have been trying to convey the sense of peaceful stillness in nature. I like this photo because I like the feeling of calmness around it Wild Iris at Dawn (Place not specified) 2001

Misty Dawn in the Pinelands, Everglades National Park (Florida) 1998 The lighting in this is natural, coming from the misted over sun rise, or possibly set. The main subjects are the trees. They work as leading lines, and there is nothing else to really distract from them. The soft orange and silhouette of the trees give it a soft, serene look. The mood I get from this photo is ominous. I chose this picture because I liked the way the trees were just dark outlines against the orange horizon. Misty Dawn in the Pinelands, Everglades National Park (Florida) 1998

Machapuchare at Dawn Nepal Himalaya 1977 The main subject in this picture is the tip of the mountain, due to the light drawing your eyes to it. The lighting comes naturally from the sun, silhouetting the tree in front of the lit mountain. The softness of the light mixed with the sharp mountain top mix together well. The mood for the photo is peace in nature, but also might be perception. The tree seems small to the mountain, but to us, it would be huge. I chose the picture because I like the lay out of the mountain and tree, and I liked the way Rowell used lighting. Machapuchare at Dawn Nepal Himalaya 1977

The main subjects in this photo are the two emperor penguins The main subjects in this photo are the two emperor penguins. They use informal balance, so it doesn’t have to follow rule of thirds. The lighting is natural, but may have been somewhat enhanced due to the natural darkness of Antarctica. The mood for this photo seems to fall under love or family. The fact that the only creatures in the picture are the two penguins, makes it seem more intimate and less cluttered. The reason I chose this photo is because I love penguins, and the way these two seemed connected seemed really sweet.